Rare Portrait of Henry VIII Discovered

Art enthusiasts are abuzz following the unexpected discovery of a rare portrait of England's monarch Henry VIII, believed to have been lost since 1781. The significant artwork was found hanging on the wall of Shire Hall, a government building in Warwickshire, by Sotheby’s auction house consultant Adam Busiakiewicz. His discovery came after he spotted the painting in a photo shared on social media during an official reception attended by local dignitaries, including Lord Lieutenant Tim Cox. The portrait, created by Warwickshire painter Ralph Sheldon in the 1590s, is part of a series commissioned to depict various historical figures. Originally displayed in Sheldon’s home, Weston House, many of these portraits were thought to have been dispersed in the late 18th century, with only a few surviving. Busiakiewicz identified the painting as a Sheldon work due to its distinctive arched top and matching frame, characteristics shared with other known examples. Following the discovery, Busiakiewicz was invited to examine the painting in person, and it has since been relocated to a museum collection center for further analysis. Experts are optimistic about the implications of this find, as it highlights the potential for recovering lost artworks through modern technology. Art appraiser Kelly Cahn noted that social media's expansive reach could facilitate the identification and recovery of significant pieces that have long been considered lost to history.